Why Is Asparagus a Stem

Asparagus grows from an underground root system of fleshy storage roots attached to an underground stem called a rhizome and small feeder roots that absorb nutrients and water. The storage roots and rhizome of one-year-old asparagus grown from seed are called crowns.

Is asparagus a stem?

Asparagus stalks, each of which represents a stem on the plant, are famously tender at the tips and hard and woody at the ends, so nearly every recipe you’ll find online starts with trimming those tough bases before cooking. … It’s almost as if that asparagus wants to be trimmed.

Is asparagus a root or stem?

The root vegetables include beets, carrots, radishes, sweet potatoes, and turnips. Stem vegetables include asparagus and kohlrabi. Among the edible tubers, or underground stems, are potatoes. The leaf and leafstalk vegetables include brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, lettuce, rhubarb, and spinach.